SWFLW 2023: SWFL women’s grand final coaches Stephen Bilcich and Rennie Meadmore reflect on incredible decider

Bunbury broke through to claim Sunday’s SWFL women’s grand final against Busselton at Kelly Park, 3.7 (25) to 3.1 (19), in front of a massive crowd. The victory snapped an unwanted streak for the Bulldogs, who had lost their last three grand finals in a row. For Busselton, they were unable to claim back-to-back premierships after going 18-1 through the season up until Sunday. Justin Fris caught up with both Bunbury coach Stephen Bilcich and Busselton playing coach Rennie Meadmore, for their thoughts following this remarkable decider. Stephen Bilcich (Bunbury) Q — Billo, there was great tenacity from your players. What was the message at three-quarter-time? Because they really dug deep as always? A — “I asked the girls to just run as much as they could — along with each of them to stand up. If someone hadn’t had an impact, go and have an impact. And that’s what happens, you just have got to play four quarters.” Q — The ball use was very good again today. I know this is something you and your team work really hard on? A — “It’s been the focus since day dot. Working on skills and ball movement, while trying to increase our scoring. We’ve fed the forward line, but just haven’t kicked enough goals that we deserve.” Q — It seems this team provides a family-like feeling for you, as is the case with East Fremantle up the road in the WAFL grand final today. I imagine this victory is very special? A — “It (the feeling) is very, very good.” Rennie Meadmore (Busselton) Q — Have you received a diagnosis on injuries affecting Karyn Beeson (leg-based) and Sabella Banks? Losing is tough enough, but seeing two friends go down like that would have been brutal? A — “You never ever want to see injuries like we got on the weekend. There’s no outcome yet regarding Karyn, however Sabella fractured her wrist.” Q — What was the overall message in the changerooms to the playing group post-game? A — “The message after the game was positive. I am proud and was proud of what my girls did on the field. We gave it our all, but unfortunately it wasn’t our day.” Q — Despite the result on grand final day, where does this sporting year rank for you as a person and coach, given the resilience you showed dealing with several situations? A — “This year was a tough challenge. I’ll look back on it in a few years and think ‘Wow Ren, what you did was outstanding’ but right now, it’s going to take a bit to get over this.”